McDonald Happy With Versatile Pool

Neil McDonald was pleased to see his side adapt to a new formation in a 2-0 victory at Blyth Spartans this evening.

Keen to have tactical options moving forward, the manager expressed his delight at a solid defensive performance that saw Connor Oliver and Callum Ball on target for the club.

"It's really pleasing that they can take up the two formations that we've played so far in the two games. It makes me happy that they're understanding what I'm trying to get across," he said.

"I thought defensively we were really, really solid and we worked off the shape really well. We expressed ourselves when we got the ball and created some chances."

The new faces at the club continue to gel as the manager looks to assemble a squad with good competition for places.

"There's been a really good atmosphere between the boys and we've got a good team spirit. They're driving each other on, and that's the competition I want right the way through the season.

"We still have to add a few more to make that competition even stronger and then it will be the best man who gets the place."

Goalscorer Callum Ball was one of two new names listed on the team sheet, with the ex St Mirren and Derby County man joining right-back Kevin McNaughton in training with the club.

"They trained yesterday and came into the game today. We're having a look at them and they're having a look at us so we'll see how it progresses," McDonald revealed.

As for other additions, the manager is keen to add relevant experience to what is a young and vibrant squad.

"We need that bit of experience to pull and push and if we can get that it adds good balance and good dynamics to the team. We need lots of mobility in the team but at the same time a little bit of knowledge to know when to do things at the right time," he added.